"Besides mythological and religious accounts of the Arab's origin, records show that the breed existed as long as 5000 years ago. The Arab has been very carefully bred throughout its history. The Arab is called 'Kehilan' in Arabic, which means 'Thoroughbred' a name passed on to the breed of that name due to its Arabian progenitors. The Arab is the 'purest' of all breeds of horses. There are many types of Arabs which descend through 5 different lines of females: Kuhaylan El Adjus, Siglavy, Habdan, Hamdani and Obajan. Each of these types has distinct physical characteristics." Arabian Horse Breed Information